Wolverhampton Wanderers are allegedly interested in signing Jesse Lingard on a free transfer.
After a frustrating summer, the West Midlands outfit were able to add to their squad during the closing days of the window, helped by the funds generated from Matheus Nunes's switch to Manchester City.
Santiago Bueno, Tommy Doyle, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Enso Gonzalez all made the switch to Molineux during the closing 36 hours of business.
However, Wolves were unable to get another centre-forward through the door, something that is likely to be on the agenda at the start of 2024.
In the short term, it can be argued that Gary O'Neil has enough competition for places in Matheus Cunha, Sasa Kalajdzic and Fabio Silva, with Nathan Fraser offering further backup.
© Reuters
Nevertheless, with spaces in the squad available for free agents, O'Neil is in a position where he can add another fresh face to the senior group should he so wish.
According to Sky Sports News, Wolves are ready to consider making a formal approach for Lingard.
The England international has been without a club since enduring an underwhelming season at Nottingham Forest, failing to contribute a single goal or assist in 927 minutes of Premier League football.
As expected, the 30-year-old was allowed to depart the City Ground at the end of his one-year contract, and he has since been given the chance to train with West Ham United.
© Reuters
In the past, Hammers boss David Moyes has insisted that offering a deal to Lingard - who has previously plied his trade at the London Stadium - was not on the agenda.
While that seemingly remains the case, it is claimed that Lingard is due to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week with penning terms for West Ham not out of the question.
From Wolves' perspective, an offer may arrive for Lingard over the coming days, with owners Fosun International seemingly prepared to enter that market like they did with Diego Costa at this time 12 months ago.
Pablo Sarabia - a player of similar attributes to Lingard - is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, and Wolves may theoretically look to sign a straight replacement should a formal offer be made for the Spaniard.
